Friday, 13 November 2009

It seems that is the view of Nigel Farage, UKIP's out going Leader. In an astonishing outburst of the BBC's Daily Politics Show on Wednesday this week he effectively dismissed all the other candidates despite three of them being MEP's and the fourth being a highly regarded and extremely knowledgeable South West Committee Chairman and UKIP Returning Officer.

This author for one was quite frankly shocked at the comments which would have been problematic in a UKIP meeting, but to say such a thing on National Television, has re-ignited the debate as to whether UKIP is indeed a one man party.

UKIP Constitutional experts have said Nigel has blatantly breached party rules, but it seems no one in a senior position is prepared to speak out against him.

The other candidates would rightly feel let down, and perhaps very deflated as being branded effectively useless by the man they would, if elected have to work with. Three will still have to work with him in the European Union.

In the interests of the party it is my view that Nigel should apologise not only to the candidates but to the membership. The comments on the UKIP members forum, is very much reflected by those in the general membership I have spoken to. This was an appalling gaff, that the party can do without.

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comments:

Forgive my intrusion into your blog, I came across it doing a search of UKIP, having listened to some UKIP members and to Lord Pearson himself I find his views and outlook quite refreshing. He appears to have his ear to the ground and is very knowledgeable of what is happening around him.I will admit I took no interest in UKIP until Mr Farage announced he was stepping down. I am awaiting the result of a branch vote to see if I can attend a local meeting of your party, your improved policies makes it quite interesting.

Thank you for your comments John Oddy. We welcome comments and opinons from all parties. The three main parties all promised a referendum on the new EU Treaty. One by one all three have gone back on that promise. Trust in the big three parties has been shaken. Only UKIP is continuing to promise a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

Bob,I do not think Mr Halden was welcoming me to UKIP; he welcomed my opinion and comment. I understand your scepticism due to my former political affiliations, of which I have made secret and have been totally open and honest about, what I am doing is showing an interest in UKIP. I believe we have been lied to and misled by the mainstream parties, all of whom read from the same song sheet, this Country has been dragged into the EU, with its “Superstate” rhetoric and un-wanted, oppressive policies.When UKIP first started it was a one policy party and, although I agreed with it in principle, it did not go far enough to combat the main parties. As UKIP as matured your policies have also, to the point where they are very similar to mine, during that change I believe that UKIP have now aligned themselves with the views of a very large percentage of the UK population, it would be extremely naive of me to not want further investigation into a party that I believe has the capability of challenging our present and or prospective Governments.

Anon 13.01,I was invited to, and did, attend a local UKIP meeting but the Political Advisor of the branch informed them that ex-BNP members were not allowed to attend under a directive from your NEC so I was asked to leave; they sought advice and have decided to have a branch vote to see if I can attend their December meeting.I work, quite closely, with two UKIP Councillors and they are extremely hard workers within the community, it was they who gave me the pointers towards UKIP, as an Independent I am free to engage local problems as I see fit, and quite often do, this often brings me into conflict with our County Council which is, as I see it, part of my duties as a Councillor. Being outspoken is all very good when you are Independent but I worry that if I join UKIP they would wish me to refrain from taking the Council to task.

There is no rule banning former BNP members from joining UKIP. Due dilligence would be carried out, obviously, but past membership of the BNP is not a barrier to UKIP membership as long as you no longer have associations with the BNP. Membership of the BNP is designated as incompatible with membership of UKIP but former membership isn't.

Anon 15.09,Are you the same person who made the request on Voices of Colwyn Bay? If you are then the same answer applies here, I would not give out his details publically, I do not feel that would be right.In answer to the second part of your question; yes, they are both members of Colwyn Bay Town Council.

Wonkotsane????, (Why?)I have since sent copies of my very public resignation and of the BNP’s acceptance of that resignation to the Welsh Chairman of UKIP who was at the meeting that I had to leave, he, obviously, had to take the advice of his Political Advisor/Officer.I think the PO took exception to my position within the BNP he claimed that I would have associated with the hierarchy of the Party, what he failed to realise is that my resignation was partly because of my very public criticism of that hierarchy. He further claimed I write a racist blog, which I deny, I am, however, very critical and openly admit to it, against Islam, which I find to be an archaic, oppressive and dangerous religion. The blog in question is easily accessible and deals primary with local issues although it does wander into political questioning in places, it even tells the readers of my past politics in my profile. As I said I have got nothing to hide.